Summary: What does unity in the faith look like? Just as we have a diversity of gift in the unity in the Spirit, so there is a diversity of service to unity in the faith.

'Once upon a time there was a mighty river. It flowed gracefully and elegantly across the landscape. Along its banks it gave life and sustenance to the tribes of Aboriginal Australians who camped by it. For many generations this river was a central focus for life. Then, gradually, the river ceased to flow, becoming a stagnant pool. With the heat of summer it started to dry up. Around the banks of the disappearing symbol of their security, the people watched aghast. What could be happening to them? By the dried-up riverbed many sat, waiting for the river to flow once more.

Yet others thought to look around and discovered that the river was not gone. Still flowing, it had simply changed course upstream, creating a billabong on the curve at which they sat.'

(John Drane) Evangelism for a New Age

POINT

This is how John Drane introduces his book 'Evangelism for a New Age'. And the imagery he uses describes very well the situation of our day in many churches in the land where the landscape of our culture has altered so much that the maps and the methods we once used are either no longer relevant or no longer effective.

NOT SO A BLEAK PICTURE

But we should not view the outlook as being in any way bleak. God is surely a match for the changes. Worldwide, there are more Christians in our generation than in any previous generation -- and the percentage is about 32% of the world population. (In contrast to 21% Muslim)

TAKING STOCK

The big question is, 'Where do we find ourselves in the big picture?

I suggest that at Westwood we are not content to sit around, like the aborigines, waiting for the waters of our fortunes to return.

* We are on a search to understand how the landscape has changed.

* We are in the process of discovering the new maps that will enable us to reach new generations of people with the Gospel effectively.

RECAP

Maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

BE MERCIFUL Humility Gentleness.Patience and bearing with each other

Love In

BE MISSIONAL But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it

* Apostolic leadership

* Prophetic inspiration

* Evangelism that engages deeply with people

* Pastoring and teaching new Christians

BE MATURE

POINT

I wonder if you noticed in the Bible reading two weeks ago that Ephesians 4 describes not only 'unity in the Spirit' but also 'unity in the faith'.